Green Collar Resources

GRID Alternatives is committed to contributing to the green economy by providing volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to break into the solar/environmental industry in order to earn a family wage and ultimately build a career.  (Click here to find more information on what it means to have a green-collar job!)

CHECK OUT OUR MENU OF RESOURCES:
A. GREEN JOB RESOURCES
         - Job Training Opportunities
         - Job Postings

B. GREEN HOME RESOURCES
C. GREEN EVENTS

 

A. GREEN JOB RESOURCES:

Job Training Opportunities

Trainings:
Find upcoming solar trainings in your area:
Bosch Basic Solar Thermal Training-February 8th and 9th
    Say you were referred by GRID Alternatives and get the $100 FEE WAIVED!
    1) Create an online account with Bosch at www.boschwaytogrow.com 
    2) Email Grayson Omans at grayson.omans@us.bosch.com to let him know you would like to sign-up for the Bosch Basic Solar Thermal Training and you were referred by GRID Alternatives!

Solar Classes:
Check out great solar and energy efficiency classes offered by:
SCE
PG&E
SDG&E

Instructional Videos:
Bending Conduit is one of the main tasks on a GRID installation site and one of the most difficult skills to learn. Get a head start and watch the instructional videos below to see how it's done!

Conduit Bending: Back Bend

Conduit Bending: Simple Offset

Job Postings:

**the following posts are not for employment at GRID Alternatives but rather outside solar organizations and companies**

Position: Solar Courier-Part Time (Approximately 6 months)
This position would be as a courier to gather signatures from home owners within a "Home Owners Association" neighborhood located in various neighborhoods in So. CA. Our goal is to improve improve Verengo Solar's HOA processes; which will expedite solar installations for home owners in these neighborhoods.On Friday - pick up HOA forms from the Torrance office. Saturday's and Sunday's collect signatures. On Monday - Drop off paperwork at the Torrance office.
This position has the potential for other employment opportunities at Verengo Solar. We have been growing aggressively and plan to hire over 600 people in 2012 within California and across the country. 
-Pays - $10 to $13 per hour
-8 Hours on Saturday
-8 Hours on Sunday
-1-2 Hours on Mondays and Fridays to pick up paperwork
-Mileage will be reimbursed
-Must have a California Drivers License and clean driving record
Company: Verango Solar
Contact: Suzanne L. Rey
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Verengo Solar
ReyEdwards@cox.net
SRey@VerengoSolar.com
714.225.1570
Mobile
619.303.2239 Direct
Post Date: 1/9/12

Position: Solar Professional
Access Solar, Inc is a Solar/Clean Energy firm. Whose goals include helping consumers and businesses reach energy sustainability. They are currently seeking Solar System PV System Designer, Electricians, PV Installers, and Engineers to join our team. Their office is located in Palm Springs, CA, on Ruppert St.

Skills and Duties involved:
Experience with designing and constructing solar electric systems
Proficiency in drafting and AutoCAD Software
Knowledge of construction techniques
Bachelor's degree in an electrical engineering related field preferred
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Create project bills of material
Oversee preparation of documentation for construction and sales teams
Detail oriented
Team effort
Be proactive and follow things to completion
Company: Access Solar, Inc.
Contact: access.solar@ca.rr.com
Post Date: 12/5/11

Position: Economic and Workforce Development Training Technician
College of the Desert is seeking to hire an Economic and Workforce Development Training Technician.  The position will be based at the Desert Energy Enterprise Center and will work closely with the Renewable Energy programs with which you all are familiar.  Those who are interested will need to go online to read the full position description and to submit your application.
Company: College of the Desert
Contact: Click here to apply!
Post Date: 11/11/11

They are searching for a lab/training technician to work at the DEEC in our renewable energy program areas.  Position: Operations Manager, Permit Designer, Solar Designer in Fullerton, CA.
Reel Goods Solar is looking to fill several positions in the Fullerton, CA office!
Company: Reel Goods Solar
Contact: http://realgoodssolar.com/about-us/careers/
Post Date: 11/8/2011

Position: NABCEP entry level instructor at UCR Extension
UCR Extension is a NABCEP approved provider and we are in need of a trainer. We are looking for an experienced NABCEP entry level instructor to teach for the NABCEP Solar PV entry level program. Our hope is to offer a course in the winter quarter (January through March). If you are interested, please contact me and I can tell you a little more about Extension and our programs.

Company: UCR Extension
Contact:
Jennifer R. Campbell, REHS
Sciences, Law and Humanities Program Coordinator/Assistant Director
University of California Riverside Extension
951-827-1620
Fax: 951-827-3043
jcampbell@ucx.ucr.edu
Post Date: 11/8/2011

Position: General Laborer’s, Heavy Equipment Operators, Lull, and Electricians DOE near Blythe, CA
Leed Staffing is looking for employees for a major solar project in Blythe, CA. near Ironwood and Chuckwalla Valley State Prisons.This employer is interested in hiring General Laborer’s $15.00/hour, Heavy Equipment Operators $18.50/hour, Lull Operators $20.00/hour, and Electricians DOE ($17.00-$23.00/hour). Hiring is immediate and work will begin in two to three weeks. This job is forecast to last for two-three months.

This may be a great opportunity to get “boots on the ground” experience in anticipation of longer-term employment opportunities.

The positions available are:
General Laborer: Must be mechanically inclined and be able to use basic hand tools.
Heavy Equipment Operators:
Excavator Operators
Backhoe Operators
Lull Operators
Skid Steer Operators
Experience in solar panel installation a huge plus. Positions are available now. We are looking for local people. No per diem nor travel cost available.

Additional employment Information required:
Must pass a 7 year background check (Very Important)
Must have a current valid driver’s license
Must be able to pass a 9 panel drug test
Special release forms signed to work on State prison grounds

Please refer to Job #J8C8HH6006GKRV7T4LY in Rivcojobs.com for additional information.

You may begin the application process in one of the following ways:
1. Telephone Pre-screen at 1-562-929-0210
2. Fax your resume to: “Blythe Solar Project” at 1-562-929-0215
3. Email your resume to: Tony@Leedstaffing.com and indicate “Blythe Solar Project” in the subject line

Your resume is VERY important. Make sure it reflects your experience and certifications in all pertinent areas and the names and contact information of previous employers. If you need assistance with polishing up your resume and making it look professional, please do not hesitate to contact your Workforce Development office in Blythe or Indio for assistance.
Company: Leed Staffing
Contact: See above
Post Date: 11/8/2011

Position: Solar Field Technician
A residential solar integrator is looking for “Solar Field Technicians” in locations throughout Southern, Central Valley and Northern California. They offer accelerated career paths in to engineering, solar design, operations and other specializations. They offer competitive benefits and bonus programs including continuing education & training and development programs.

If you are driven, a problem solver and can instill confidence and trust in your customers, they want you to join our engineering team as a “Solar Field Technician”. In this dynamic role you will be responsible for conducting site assessments for our residential clients and delivering the best-in-class customer experience.

With your strong communication skills and attention to detail you will be:
Taking and documenting critical roof measurements and other relevant details.
Assessing electrical systems and roof conditions.
Performing shading analysis.
Executing and expediting your customers rebate and financial documents.
Communicating site details effectively to the solar design and installation teams.
Create detailed site drawings, analysis and reports with a 1-day turnaround.

You should possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
1+ year of hands-on experience in solar is required.
Fundamental knowledge of solar concepts.
Experience with Solmetric SunEye and Solar Pathfinder is preferred.
Electrical and roofing knowledge.
Exceptional customer service skills.
Strong attention to detail.

You Are: A self-starter, motivated by learning and professional growth, and a strong desire for excellence.
You Enjoy: The challenge of a fast-paced, ever changing, high growth environment.
You Have: A technical acumen for software programs such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Physical Requirements:
Comfortable getting on 2 – 3 roofs per day
Willingness to work 10 -12 hours per day
Comfortable working in the field and traveling 3 to 4 hours per day

Other Requirements:
Must have clean driving record
Unexpired California Driver’s License
Car Insurance

Benefits:
They offer accelerated career paths into engineering, solar design, operations, and other specializations. They also offer competitive benefits, bonuses and incentive programs as well as continuing education, training & development programs.

In addition they have a need for Solar Energy Analysts, Electricians, Solar Sales & Marketing people among others.

Company: National residential solar integrator
Contact: Forward resumes to ReyEdwards@cox.net and put “Solar Field Technician” in the subject line
Post Date: 10/3/2011

** Also, for job opportunities with GRID Alternatives statewide, click here.
 

B. GREEN HOME RESOURCES:
Rebate and Incentive Programs

Find information to see if your home qualifies for a solar rebate through the California Solar Initiative!

Visit our SASH Program webpage to find eligibility requirement or click here to find SASH Program qualifications in both English and Spanish!

If you you are not in the Southern California Edison service area be sure to check out your local utility company for solar rebate programs:
Riverside Public Utilites

Colton

Check out Califronia Department of Community Services & Development's federal funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)!

Visit California Public Utilities' website to find more information on Energy Saving Assistance Porgrams your utility may offer for income qualified households.

Whether you are installing water-efficient appliances or landscaping, Souther California Water Districts have rebates for you!
 

Do It Youself 
Check out these 4 Easy Ways to Save Money and Energy in Your Home!
 

C. GREEN EVENTS:

Check Back for information on Upcoming Green Events in the Inland Empire! 

  

Impact Calculator

1,663

homes solarized

4.5 MW

total capacity

$42 million

for families

143,466

tons of CO2 saved

8,263

volunteers trained

Photo Gallery

Check out our latest solar installation photos at PicasaWeb here!